Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has officially retired from the Indian Premier League, closing a significant chapter of his cricketing journey while hinting at continuing in global franchise leagues.
Highlights
- Ashwin retires: Announces IPL retirement on August 27, 2025.
- Return to CSK: Bought in the 2025 mega auction for ₹9.75 crore after 9 years.
- 2025 season struggles: 7 wickets in 9 matches, CSK finished bottom of the table.
- Career beyond IPL: Plans to feature in overseas leagues after IPL exit.
- International retirement: Stepped away from international cricket in December 2024 with 765 wickets.
Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has bid farewell to the Indian Premier League (IPL), bringing an illustrious chapter to a close. The Chennai Super Kings star confirmed his retirement with a heartfelt message on X on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.
“A special day marks a new beginning. As one journey ends, another begins. Today, I bid farewell to my time as an IPL cricketer, but I look forward to starting a new chapter as I continue exploring the game across different leagues,” Ashwin shared.
CSK re-signed Ashwin in the 2025 mega auction for ₹9.75 crore, bringing him back to the franchise after nine years. However, the 38-year-old struggled to make an impact, managing only seven wickets in nine games at an average of 40.42 and an economy of 9.12. With CSK finishing last, uncertainty over his role in IPL 2026 ultimately influenced his decision.
Despite bidding farewell to the IPL, Ashwin emphasized that his cricketing journey is not over. The Tamil Nadu stalwart, who retired from international cricket in December 2024 after picking 765 wickets across 287 matches, hinted at continuing his career in various franchise leagues worldwide.
Ashwin also expressed gratitude toward the IPL, BCCI, and all franchises he represented, cherishing the memories and relationships built during his decorated career. His retirement closes one of the most impactful chapters in the league’s history, as Ashwin leaves behind a legacy of skill, innovation, and leadership.
